Lily of the Valley: Hymns of the West, #4

By Faith Blum

Unruly schoolchildren, three suitors, and too many things to do

It is Ruth Brookings’ first year teaching school. She wants to instill a love of learning into them, but between the unruly children and persistence of an unwanted suitor, she is overwhelmed.

To make matters worse, when Ruth prays for guidance, she’s answered with a challenge instead: To encourage her friend, Sheriff Micah Carson to find a wife—whether he wants one or not. When she does, he starts to avoid her and the shy teacher wonders if she just lost one of her only friends.

Will Micah start talking to her again? Can God teach her to trudge through the valley and still trust Him when things get tough?

Although this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Most of the characters were introduced in the first three books of the series, so some character development will be missing in this book, but not so much you can't enjoy the book itself.

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Excerpt:
Ruth rested her books precariously on her left arm as she put the key in the lock. The lock snapped and she gripped the doorknob. As she turned the knob, a boot thumped on the bottom step behind her. Ruth spun around and her books crashed to the porch as she faced the intruder.
“I’m sorry. Did I startle you?” Micah asked.
Ruth put a hand to her heart as if making sure it hadn’t left her chest. “Yes, you did.” She laughed nervously. “You need to stop practicing your Indian walking.”
Micah grinned sheepishly. “Sorry about that. I thought you saw me. You must’ve been lost in thought under that big hat of yours.”
Ruth huffed. “I’ll have you know this hat was specially made for me by Joshua. He knew I didn’t like bonnets because they shade the sides of my face too much.”
Micah smiled as he bent down and helped Ruth pick up her books and papers. “I know. I just like teasing you about it. How’d the first day of school go?”
“After a minor problem at the beginning, the day went very well.”
“A minor problem?” Micah asked as he picked up the last book and straightened. “This wouldn’t involve my son, would it?”
Ruth cleared her throat. “Um, yes, it would.”
Micah frowned. “What did he do this time?”
“Nothing needing discipline, just a little correction. And it wasn’t just him; John Jenkins, and Clem and Chancy Lancaster were also to blame. I took care of it and hopefully most of their classroom antics will be avoided by splitting them all up during class.”
Micah raised his right eyebrow. “I hope so. Let me know if Jeremiah causes too much trouble.”
Ruth looked up at him with a smile. “I plan to. Just like I plan to tell any of the parents if their child gets to be too much trouble.”
Micah chuckled. “Thank you, Miss Brookings. I’d better get back to the office to make sure Obadiah isn’t getting into trouble.” He handed her the stack of books and papers.
“Your deputy is causing trouble?”
“Nah. He just likes to think he’s the sheriff and do some of the paperwork. Then he messes it up so much I end up spending twice as long fixing it than I would if I’d done it to begin with.”
Ruth laughed and shook her head. “Then you’d better get back fast. I have school assignments to figure out anyway, so I have plenty to work on tonight as well.”
Micah tipped his hat at her. “Talk to you again soon, Miss Brookings.”
“Same to you, Mr. Carson.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faith Blum
• Release date: Nov 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781386338161

Book preview

Prologue

Micah threw the pad of papers on his desk. The thud echoed in the small room and he scowled. He’d been staring at the same sentence half the day trying to understand what the person was proposing for his business loan. He had yet to succeed because each time he started the second paragraph and read the words family business, his son would come to mind and he would start to dream up his own family business. Then the memory of his wife’s death would tear all the dreams apart. He could never start something like that without his wife, without his supporter, without someone to give him more ideas.

He closed his eyes and whispered, God, what am I doing here? Why...? Why did all this have to...? He buried his head in his hands. A year had passed since Edith’s death. He should be over the worst of his grief and yet it seemed like it had just begun.

Maybe he needed a change. If he changed jobs, maybe Jeremiah would stop doing things to get his attention. To do that, he’d have to leave Chicago. His breath caught as an idea formed in his head. He could go West. He could start fresh. He could make new friends who wouldn’t bring up his wife’s death every hour.

Micah jumped from his chair and pulled out his pocket watch. Quarter to five. It was a little early, but he knew his boss wouldn’t mind. He neatened his desk and waved at his coworkers as he hurried outside.

He breathed in the fresh air and almost choked. Yes, he needed to get out of this city. The factories made the air unbreathable. As difficult as his childhood had been, at least he’d had real air to breathe instead of coal smoke.

Micah stopped in front of the large, ornate door to his huge house. When he’d bought it for Edith, he hadn’t thought it was huge, but he had also been hoping to fill the house with children. Another dream that had died with Edith. Now all he saw was wasted space and expense. He would talk to Seth in the morning and see if he was still interested in the house.

With a steadying breath, he opened the door and nearly got bowled over by an excited little boy.

How are you today, Jeremiah? Micah asked as he picked the boy up.

Fine, now that you’re here, the five year old said.

Did you behave for Mrs. Gold?

No, he replied with an impish grin.

No? Micah asked with a frown. Why not?

I didn’t want to. Jeremiah leaned back and crossed his arms.

Micah sighed and set Jeremiah down. You should always do the right thing whether you want to or not. Especially when your father gave you exact instructions to behave.

That was yesterday, Jeremiah protested.

Micah closed his eyes and prayed for patience. When he opened them, he saw Mrs. Gold walk in, pulling her gloves on with a scowl on her face.

She looked up at him. After what that boy did today, you’re lucky I need the money and am willing to stick around. But I’m warning you, one more day of this, and I will quit.

Micah raised an eyebrow and looked at Jeremiah. Go to your room, Jeremiah. Wait for me on your bed. No toys or books.

Jeremiah ducked his head. Yes, Sir.

At least someone gets respect from him around here, Mrs. Gold huffed.

Micah crossed his arms. What did he do today?

He went into the garden without telling me and without putting his coat or shoes on. He found some frogs and scared the cook half to death by having a frog race in the kitchen.

Micah fought a smile at the thought of the uptight Helga watching the frogs in horror.

When I told him to play nicely in his room, he destroyed the place, forcing me to clean all of it up and still keep an eye on the boy. I swear, Micah Carson, that boy needs a good, firm hand to the backside every day to teach him to behave. I know Edith’s only been gone a year, but that boy needs a mother. And a wife wouldn’t hurt you any either.

Micah stiffened and put his arms by his side. He forced himself to breathe calmly and not react. "That will be enough, Mrs. Gold. There is no need for you to meddle in my personal life.

Next time Jeremiah destroys his room, perhaps you should make him clean it up instead. That might be more effective than a ‘firm hand to the backside’ once I finally get home. If you’ll excuse me I have some things to discuss with my son. Good day, Madam.

He brushed past Mrs. Gold and left her to let herself out. He knew it was rude, but he wasn’t in a gentlemanly mood right now. First his so-called friends and now Mrs. Gold. He would never remarry because he could never love another woman as much as he had loved Edith. He knew it was unfair to Jeremiah, but better for Jeremiah to grow up motherless than with a mother who didn’t love either of them.

Micah ran up the steps two at a time and took his suit jacket off as he went. He threw the jacket into his room as he passed by and unbuttoned the top button of his tight, collared shirt.

He knocked on the door to Jeremiah’s room. May I come in?

Yes.

Micah pushed the door open and stepped in. Jeremiah, we need to talk.

Jeremiah looked up at him with wide eyes. I stayed on my bed.

Micah chuckled. I see that. Thank you for obeying me. That’s not what I need to talk to you about. The way you treated Mrs. Gold today was uncalled for and wrong and you know it. Tomorrow, I want you to apologize to her.

Yes, Pa.

I also want you to listen to her and obey her tomorrow and every other day she is here.

Yes, Pa.

Micah sat on the bed next to him. Do you know why disobedience is wrong?

Jeremiah shrugged. Kinda.

Why?

God says not to.

Micah smiled. That’s right. Why does God say not to?

Jeremiah wrinkled his nose. I don’t know.

Disobedience to parents is disobedience to God. God tells children to ‘obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.’ If you disobey your parents, or those in authority over you, that is sin.

Sin is bad. Preacher says so. If you sin, you go to that hot and spicy place. Jeremiah shuddered.

Micah bit his cheeks to keep from smiling. That’s right. It’s not spicy, but I think you get the picture. I don’t want to have to punish you and neither does God.

Jeremiah hung his head. I know. He sighed. I’m hungry.

Micah smiled at the abrupt change in conversation. So am I, Cowboy. Which reminds me, you should apologize to Mrs. Helga.

Jeremiah smiled sheepishly. Yes, Pa. I’ll do that now.

A few months later, Micah had sold his house, quit his job, and packed as few belongings as he could. What he wouldn’t need, he gave away to charity houses. He kept a few of Edith’s things to remember her by, but the rest, he reluctantly gave away.

He still had no idea where he would go, but decided to take the train as far west as possible and then look at the stagecoach destinations. Jeremiah didn’t care as long as they went west.

Micah kept an eye on Jeremiah as he watched the scenery hurry by outside the train window. He had let Jeremiah have the window seat so he could get lost watching the scenery instead of running up and down the aisle. Even while looking out the window, Jeremiah alternately stood, sat, and squirmed.

A smile crept onto his face as he remembered the many times Edith had complained about how much his son moved and how little sleep she got.

Whatcha smiling about, Pa? Jeremiah’s voice cut into his thoughts.

You and your ma, Micah replied.

Tell me? Jeremiah begged.

What do you want to know?

Did she love me?

Micah’s eyes misted over. Yes, she did. She loved you very much and hated leaving you behind.

Did she love you?

Micah nodded.

Then why’d she leave us?

Micah sighed. God decided He needed her more than we did. If only he could believe his own words.

But I still need her.

Micah pulled Jeremiah into his lap. I know. So do I, but if God thinks we can live without her, we’ll have to try.

Can I have a new ma?

Micah tensed. Why?

Jeremiah shrugged. I’d like one.

Micah kissed the top of his head. We’ll see.

The stagecoach came to a stop. Micah looked at the sleeping boy in his lap. Should he wake Jeremiah or not? He waited for Gage Bradford, the stagecoach driver, to open the door.

As he stepped out, carrying his son, he looked around the small town. Although small, it looked tame compared to some of the other towns they had passed through.

Do you know where I could find lodging, Gage?

There’s a hotel up the street a bit. The saloon is next door, but at least they aren’t attached like in most towns.

Thank you, Gage, Micah said.

Gage nodded. Not a problem. He brushed the lock off Jeremiah’s forehead. This little guy reminds me of my boys back home.

Micah smiled as Gage pulled his hand back and hefted the bags off the stagecoach.

A young lad about twelve walked past and Micah stopped him. Young man, would you be willing to help me carry my trunk to the hotel? I can carry the bags if you take the trunk.

The boy gave him a looking over that Micah found a little disturbing, but the boy must have been satisfied with what met his eyes. Sure, Mister.

The boy lifted the trunk as if there was nothing inside. Micah raised an eyebrow in surprise as Gage helped him get the carpetbag in his hand.

Thank you again, Gage. It was nice meeting you.

Gage nodded and Micah smiled as he followed the boy carrying his trunk. At the hotel, he set the carpetbag on the floor and dug in his pocket while he held Jeremiah in his arms. I’d toss it to you, but with Jeremiah in my arms I can’t.

The boy grinned and took the coin out of Micah’s hand. That’s all right. Thanks, Mister.

What’s your name?

Lou. Are you plannin’ on staying around Cartersville?

I hope to, Lou. Thank you for your help.

Lou shrugged. You’re welcome, Mister. What’s your name, anyway?

Micah Carson.

I was glad to help, Mr. Carson. My pa says I should always help if I can. I didn’t realize all that stuff was yours when I walked by or I’d’ve offered right away.

Micah chuckled. I guess we did bring quite a few things, didn’t we?

Not as much as Mr. Wilson and his family did. Now they brought a lot of stuff, including some real fancy Eastern doohickeys I don’t understand the purpose of.

Micah failed to hide his amusement and Lou looked suddenly embarrassed.

You ain’t from the East are you, Mr. Carson? Lou asked.

Micah bit his cheeks. Kind of. I’m from Chicago, but I came out West to live like a Westerner, not an Eastern dandy.

Lou grinned. I like you, Mr. Carson. When you’re settled in, I’ll ask Pa to have you over. He put a finger to his chin. Unless I can talk him into letting you come today. I think you’ll like it here. The town’s small, but we’re growing. The land out here is real good for ranchin’ if you’ve got money and willpower to stick to it.

What about farming?

Lou grimaced. Maybe. The best farmland’s been taken, though. He shrugged. You’d have to ask around.

It sounds like we’ll get on in this town just fine. Now, I need to get a hotel room reserved and my son in the bed before my arms fall off.

How’s ’bout you set him here on the sofa and I’ll keep an eye on him until you get the room reserved? Then I can help you carry your stuff upstairs.

Micah looked at the sofa and back at Lou. That is an excellent idea. Thank you.

Five minutes later, Lou left the hotel and ran home to beg an invitation out of his parents. Micah chuckled to himself as he unpacked a few of his belongings into the small dresser. The boy seemed so excited to have new people in town.

A knock sounded on the door shortly after Lou left. I wonder who that could be, Micah muttered to himself. He opened the door to see Lou standing there.

Hiya, Mr. Carson. I hope you don’t mind, but I brought you an invitation from my parents. He handed Micah a piece of paper and pencil.

Micah smiled while he read the invitation. They sure went to a lot of trouble just to invite a stranger to their house for supper.

Maybe, but they like to pretend sometimes that Cartersville is more civilized than it really is.

Here you go, Micah said as he handed the reply back. Can you be here at a quarter to five to show us the way to your house?

Sure! See ya later, Lou said as he ran back home.

Later that night, Micah collapsed into the bed next to his sleeping son and sighed with contentment. Not only had Jeremiah made new friends, but so had he. And he had a job already. It wouldn’t be very much, but he would look for something else in the morning.

Lou’s parents, Simon and Carlotta Lancaster, were ranchers and neither could keep the books well. When Micah had mentioned he used to work at a bank, Simon asked if he could take over the bookkeeping. Micah had quickly accepted.

The Lancasters had six children: an older girl, Lou, two more girls, and then twin boys Jeremiah’s age. Micah smiled as he remembered how well Clem, Chancy, and Jeremiah had gotten along. They were finally home.

Chapter One

Jeremiah ran to catch up with the two boys walking down the street. Clem! Chancy! Wait up! The twins turned around at the same time with matching grins on their matching faces.

When Jeremiah caught up to them, Clem spoke, Hi, Jeremiah. How’s the sheriff’s son today?

Jeremiah stuck his tongue out at Clem. Running late, obviously. Either that or you two decided not to wait for me.

We waited, Chancy said with a mischievous grin on his face.

Yeah, and for how long? Jeremiah demanded.

Long enough, Clem said. Let’s go or we’ll be late for the first day of school.

They talked as they strode quickly to school.

It’s gonna be strange to have Ruth...I mean, Miss Brookings, as the new schoolteacher, Jeremiah said.

Yeah. And it’ll be hard to remember to call her Miss Brookings, too. She’s always been Ruth, Chancy protested.

And she’s only nine years older than us! Jeremiah exclaimed.

Yeah, but we’re only ten, so she’s also almost twice as old as we are, Clem pointed out.

I suppose. Well, here goes nothin’, he said as they entered the schoolyard.

Clem slapped his arm. Don’t have such a grouchy attitude about it, ’Miah. It won’t be that bad.

Says you. Pa and Ruth are real good friends and talk a lot. Now with ‘Miss Brookings’ bein’ my teacher, they’ll talk about me even more. He shrugged as he scanned the schoolyard. Hey! There’s John and James! Let’s go welcome ’em to school!

Ruth looked around the classroom from the back of the room and shook her head in amazement. A few years earlier, she would never have accepted a position that forced her to be in front of anybody for any length of time. When she’d first moved to Montana, she could barely talk to her new best friend, Annabelle. In the last few years, Joshua, her parents, and God had worked hard to get her out of her shell.

Over the last year, she had gained more friends, including Micah Carson and William Steele, and her friendship with Annabelle had blossomed to where Annabelle now took advice from Ruth and Ruth  enjoyed being with Annabelle. As she walked up the aisle, she thanked God for the opportunities and influence she had on Annabelle and the children in Cartersvi— She shook her head. It wasn’t Cartersville anymore. It was Castle City. She really had to get that change through her head. It may have been over half a year since the change, but she still wasn’t used to it.

Ruth stopped in front of the stove and scrunched her eyebrows together. Heat already came from it. She glanced around and saw the note on the chalkboard.

Decided to warm the school up for you while I was on my rounds. Hope you don’t mind. Micah.

Ruth smiled and shook her head. Leave it to the sheriff to think of something like warming up the school before she arrived. If he wasn’t careful, starting the fire might end up becoming part of his job description.

She whistled a nameless tune as she erased Micah’s message and wrote her name on the board along with letters, words, and sentences, a few page numbers, and a few math problems of various levels. When the board had everything written on it, she opened the ledger on her desk and skimmed it. She knew all the names either from town socials or church.

With a glance at the clock, she took one last look around the classroom. Everything seemed to be in order and ready for the children. Ruth breathed a quick prayer for strength, stamina, and creativity. She already knew she had at least four ten year old boys in her class and one of them was a known troublemaker. He had been trouble when she first arrived and he had been only six then. He was also Micah’s son.

Ruth looked at the clock again. Time to ring the bell. She picked up the small bell from her desk and walked to the door. The schoolyard was full of playing children. A couple of the girls caught sight of her and made their way toward the schoolhouse.

Ruth smiled as she rang the bell and greeted each child as they walked into the schoolhouse and put their lunch pails in the coatroom. Each of the students took a seat at a desk and Ruth was glad she had already made her own desk arrangements. The four boys she thought would be the most trouble were sitting together and whispering together.

Good morning, Class, Ruth said as she walked up to the front. I am Miss Brookings and will be your teacher this year. I’m glad each of you were able to come this morning. The first thing we are going to do is set a few rules and then do some new desk assignments. She turned a stern eye to the four boys who were still whispering together.

Clem, what is the first rule at this school?

Clem’s head snapped up at the sound of his name. Pay attention when the teacher is talking.

Ruth nodded her approval. Chancy, what is the second rule?

Be courteous to the other students.

And is whispering to your friends being courteous to the other students, John? Ruth asked.

John ducked his head. No, Ma’am.

Ruth held eye contact with each of the four boys for a few seconds. Jeremiah, what is the third rule?

I don’t know, Jeremiah said, crossing his arms and looking defiant.

You don’t know or you don’t want to say?

I don’t know, Jeremiah said with a glare.

Can you read?

Yes, Ma’am, he conceded grudgingly.

Ruth stepped to the side. What does it say on the board after the number three?

Behave during recess and lunch breaks, Jeremiah muttered.

Ruth looked around the room. Suzanna, what is the fourth rule?

Speak clearly when asked to answer a question, Suzanna replied.

Thank you.

Ruth went through the rest of the rules and then told each of the students where they were to sit. There were just enough boys in the third reader to have the four potential troublemakers split up and Ruth breathed a sigh of relief when the desk seating went without any problems.

The first day flew by without any further issues and after the children were dismissed, Ruth walked to her new home with a bounce in her step. During the week, she would stay in the cottage set aside for the schoolteacher and on Friday afternoon, she could go home until Sunday night.

She swallowed hard and tried to keep her breathing normal as she approached the house. Her stomach rolled and jumped as she thought about the next few nights she would spend alone. At least Micah had promised that he and his deputy would keep a close eye on the place both day and night. His promise to stop by occasionally to check on her helped to calm her nerves a little.

She rested her books precariously on her left arm as she put the key in the lock. The lock snapped and she gripped the doorknob. As she turned the knob, a boot thumped on the bottom step behind her. Ruth spun around and her books crashed to the porch as she faced the intruder.

I’m sorry. Did I startle you? Micah asked.

Ruth put a hand to her heart as if making sure it hadn’t left her chest. Yes, you did. She laughed nervously. You need to stop practicing your Indian walking.

Micah grinned sheepishly. Sorry about that. I thought you saw me. You must’ve been lost in thought under that big hat of yours.

Ruth huffed. I’ll have you know this hat was specially made for me by Joshua. He knew I didn’t like bonnets because they shade the sides of my face too much.

Micah smiled as he bent down and helped Ruth pick up her books and papers. I know. I just like teasing you about it. How’d the first day of school go?

After a minor problem at the beginning, the day went very well.

A minor problem? Micah asked as he picked up the last book and straightened. This wouldn’t involve my son, would it?

Ruth cleared her throat. Um, yes, it would.

Micah frowned. What did he do this time?

Nothing needing discipline, just a little correction. And it wasn’t just him; John Jenkins, and Clem and Chancy Lancaster were also to blame. I took care of it and hopefully most of their classroom antics will be avoided by splitting them all up during class.

Micah raised his right eyebrow. I hope so. Let me know if Jeremiah causes too much trouble.

Ruth looked up at him with a smile. I plan to. Just like I plan to tell any of the parents if their child gets to be too much trouble.

Micah chuckled. Thank you, Miss Brookings. I’d better get back to the office to make sure Obadiah isn’t getting into trouble. He handed her the stack of books and papers.

Your deputy is causing trouble?

Nah. He just likes to think he’s the sheriff and do some of the paperwork. Then he messes it up so much I end up spending twice as long fixing it than I would if I’d done it to begin with.

Ruth laughed and shook her head. Then you’d better get back fast. I have school assignments to figure out anyway, so I have plenty to work on tonight as well.

Micah tipped his hat at her. Talk to you again soon, Miss Brookings.

Same to you, Mr. Carson.

Chapter Two

October 6, 1879

Dear Diary,

The good part about living in town is I get to see Annabelle more often. The bad part is I don’t get to see Mother and Father or talk to them, and I’ve noticed that I’m overly suspicious. I know Castle City (I actually remembered to call it that this time!) is more civilized and I trust Micah and Obadiah to keep everybody safe, but there are still rough men around and many of them go to the saloons. Lord, help me to trust You!

On another note, I’ve discovered it is really hard to cook for just one person. I don’t think I’ve ever cooked for fewer than five people except when Joshua and I got stranded in the wilderness. But that doesn’t count since we didn’t even have much food to cook.

I’ve taught for two weeks now and I think it’s going well. I also had an idea on what to do with my extra food. The Hale children rarely have food to bring for lunch because Mr. Hale is out of a job and they don’t have money for food. I’m going to bring some of my extra food today to give to them.

It’s time for me to go get the schoolhouse ready.

The sun rose warm and the sky was clear of clouds when Ruth walked to school. As she entered the schoolyard, she waved at the early students who played in the yard. Since the day was warm, the fire was not needed and Ruth felt a twinge of disappointment that she didn’t have to erase a note from Micah this morning. As soon as the thought came, she scolded herself for being so silly and hurried up to her desk.

On the desk sat